Chapter 1216

Olivia laughingly embraced Galen. "You said the same thing last time, and then what happened? You couldn't bear to leave him at home. Anyway, I think our Galen is quite obedient. Oh, yes, didn't Mr. Russell want to teach him personally? Where is he?"

"Well, Galen nearly crawled into the paper shredder when his father took him to the office, and Alex was so terrified he stopped taking him. I guess we'll have to wait until Galen's older," Lily said, shaking her head.

Lily and Alexander, having missed much in their own lives, named their son Galen—meaning "calm" in Greek—hoping he would enjoy life more peacefully than they had. However, the boy's restless nature and constant mischief made them question their choice.

Olivia tidied up, then looked outside. "My ride's here. What's wrong with Mr. Perfect? He's usually early. Why is he late?"

Lily chuckled. "He has something to do; he'll be a bit late. You can go home first."

"Can you manage alone?" Olivia asked, concerned, looking at the squirming child in her arms.

"Absolutely!" Lily gave a reassuring gesture. "I know today's your anniversary. Go and stop worrying!"

After seeing Olivia off, Lily took Galen to the yard and seated him on the swing. The autumn breeze carried the scent of flowers, making the setting pleasant.

Soon, they heard a car arrive and saw Alexander striding toward them.

"Daddy, Daddy!" Galen grinned, running to his father with outstretched arms.

Alexander lifted his son overhead, making him giggle. "Is it just you, honey? Where's Grandma?" Lily asked, looking around.

"She said it's harvest season, so she's not coming back. She'll visit Galen after the harvest," Alexander replied.

He carried his son, nuzzling his cheeks; the boy laughed uncontrollably, burying his face. "Grandma's quite enjoying herself, isn't she? She doesn't even miss city life anymore."

After regaining some health, Margaret moved to the mountains to live and pray. With many fruit trees, she tended them in her free time. The trees thrived, bearing a bountiful harvest this year. Ralph remained in the mountains with his mother, living a quiet life.

"Even your uncle isn't coming back?" Lily asked thoughtfully.

Alexander nodded. "It's peaceful there, unlike the city. He doesn't have to worry about people teasing him or feeling embarrassed about his loss of status. Besides…" he paused, "…he says he wants to atone for his sins against Ms. Riggs."

"I heard Heather's much better," Lily said, her tone conflicted.

"Time flies. Over a year has passed since everything happened, and everyone seems to have moved on," Alexander observed.

He held his son in one arm and put the other around Lily's shoulder. "That's right. We must move forward. We can't change the past, so all we have is the present and the future. We'll take each step in the right direction."

"Let's go home!" he said. "Don't forget we're having company."